It’s usually best to give a frozen roast beef about 50% more cooking time than you would for a thawed roast. How big and thick the roast is, as well as the cooking method, can change the exact cooking time. Its important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired internal temperature for doneness.
You’re not the only one who has ever bought frozen roast beef and wondered how long it would take to cook. It can be hard to cook frozen roast beef, but if you know what you’re doing, you can make it taste great and stay juicy.
A frozen beef roast can be a lifesaver for those unavoidable moments when you’ve forgotten to take the meat out to thaw. While it requires some extra time and planning, cooking frozen beef roast in the oven is entirely possible. With the right technique, your freezer-to-oven roast will turn out juicy, flavorsome, and delicious.
Can You Cook a Frozen Roast Beef in the Oven?
The short answer is yes. With the proper method, cooking frozen beef roast in the oven can deliver excellent results. The key is taking things slowly and gently to allow the center of the meat time to thaw and come up to temperature. Rushing the process by cranking up the heat will likely lead to a dried out exterior and undercooked middle.
While it does require additional time and care, oven roasting frozen beef roast has some advantages over thawing first:
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It’s faster – Roasting a frozen roast beef saves you waiting around for it to thaw. You can pop it straight from freezer to oven.
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Less messy – With no icy drips from thawing roasting from frozen is neater. The meat stays contained in the pan.
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Better flavor – The slower cook time can intensify flavor as the meat soaks up seasonings.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Roast Beef in the Oven?
Roasting low and slow is the key to successfully cooking frozen beef roasts in the oven. The extended time allows the chill to gradually dissipate from the center while the outside roasts gently.
The exact time needed will vary depending on:
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Size of the roast – A 6 lb roast will require longer than a 3 lb one.
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Oven temperature – Lower oven heat = longer cook time.
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Desired doneness – Rare roasts are faster; well done takes longest.
As a general guide, plan on:
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50-100% extra cooking time compared to a thawed roast.
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At least 4 hours for a 3 lb roast cooked between 275°F and 325°F.
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5-6 hours for a 4-6 lb roast. Check it periodically and continue roasting until an instant read thermometer shows it’s reached your desired internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Method for Roasting Frozen Beef Roast
Follow these simple steps for roasting frozen beef roast in the oven:
1. Prepare the Roast
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Choose a large, well-marbled roast between 3-6 lbs. Larger cuts hold their moisture best when cooked from frozen.
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Leave it in its original airtight store packaging or rewrap tightly in heavy duty foil.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 275°F-325°F. Lower temperatures are ideal as they thaw the meat gently.
3. Begin Roasting
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Place the roast in the preheated oven.
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Roasting a frozen roast can take 50% to 100% longer than cooking a thawed one. So, if a thawed roast takes 3 hours, a frozen one might take anywhere from 4.5 to 6 hours.
4. Season and Baste
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After the first hour of roasting, season the exterior with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs.
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Baste periodically with pan drippings to add moisture and flavor.
5. Test for Doneness
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Use an instant read meat thermometer to check for your desired level of doneness:
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Rare: 120-125°F
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Medium Rare: 130-135°F
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Medium: 140-150°F
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Well Done: 160°F and above
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When the roast reaches your preferred internal temp, remove it from the oven.
6. Rest and Carve
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Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Carve into slices and serve. Enjoy your fork-tender oven roasted frozen beef roast!
Tips for Extra Moist and Flavorful Roast
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Season generously – In addition to salt and pepper, try garlic, rosemary, thyme or Montreal steak spice.
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Brown the outside (optional) – For a crispy crust, sear in a hot skillet before roasting.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t risk over or undercooking. Cook to precise internal temperature.
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Let it rest before carving – This allows juices to be reabsorbed for a moist, tender texture.
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Make gravy – Use the flavorful pan drippings to make an easy, tasty gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook frozen roast beef in the oven?
Yes, it’s completely safe. The low, gradual oven heat gently thaws and brings the roast beef up to a food-safe internal temperature throughout.
Should you sear frozen roast beef before roasting?
Briefly searing the exterior of the frozen roast in a very hot skillet before roasting will help develop a flavorful, browned crust.
What temperature should you cook frozen roast beef at?
Cook at a low temperature between 275°F and 325°F. This allows the meat time to gradually thaw without overcooking the exterior.
Can you cook frozen roast beef in a crockpot?
It’s not recommended. A crockpot may not bring the internal temp high enough quickly enough to be food-safe. Stick to the oven.
What happens if you cook frozen roast beef too fast?
High heat will likely burn the outside before the inside thaws. This results in a tough exterior with raw, cold center. Stick to low, gradual oven temperatures.
The Takeaway
Although it requires some extra time, roasting frozen beef roast in the oven is absolutely doable with excellent results. The keys are using a large roast, cooking low and slow, and following the internal temperature. With the right technique you’ll enjoy a tender, juicy oven-roasted beef roast straight from the freezer. Give it a try next time you forget to thaw!
Cooking Frozen Roast Beef
Don’t worry if you need to cook frozen roast beef quickly. If you follow the right cooking time, method, and seasoning, you can still enjoy tasty and juicy roast beef.
Before cooking, it’s best to let your roast beef thaw, but if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it already frozen. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer, and the roast may not cook evenly. To defrost your roast beef, you can:
- Defrost in the refrigerator: This is the safest method. Put the frozen roast beef in a container with a lid and put it in the fridge for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat.
- Do not thaw. Put the frozen roast beef in a plastic bag that won’t leak and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes, and cook it as soon as it thaws.
- Defrost in the microwave: To defrost meat in the microwave, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Cook immediately once thawed.
Cooking time for frozen roast beef is longer than for thawed beef. Here’s a general guideline for cooking time:
| Doneness | Cooking Time (per pound) |
|---|---|
| Rare | 20-25 minutes |
| Medium | 30-35 minutes |
| Well-Done | 40-45 minutes |
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast beef. The temperature should be 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
There are several ways to cook frozen roast beef:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the frozen roast beef on a rack in a roasting pan. Add salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. In the thickest part of the roast, put a meat thermometer. Cook the food the right way or until it reaches the right level of doneness on the inside. Let the roast beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- For the slow cooker, put the frozen roast beef, onions, carrots, garlic, beef broth, and spices in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meat is done the way you like it. Let the roast beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Food processor: Put frozen roast beef, onions, carrots, garlic, beef broth, and spices in a food processor. Cook under high pressure for 20 to 25 minutes per pound, or until the meat is cooked to your liking. Let the roast beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Regardless of your cooking method, make sure to cover the roast beef with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can add fat or broth to keep the roast beef moist and flavorful.
How Minutes Per Pound
Cooking frozen roast beef takes about 50% longer than cooking unfrozen roast beef.
For 30 to 35 minutes per pound, cook medium-rare roast beef. For 40 to 45 minutes per pound, cook medium roast beef.
It’s important to remember, though, that the cooking time may change based on the roast beef’s size and the oven you use.
You should always use a meat thermometer to make sure that the roast beef is at least 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium—well done.
The following table shows how long it takes to cook a frozen roast beef per pound:
| Weight of Roast Beef | Medium-Rare (30-35 minutes per pound) | Medium (40-45 minutes per pound) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 pounds | 1.5-2 hours | 2-2.5 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 2-2.5 hours | 2.5-3 hours |
| 6-7 pounds | 3-3.5 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
Before cutting the roast beef, make sure to let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This will let the juices redistribute and the meat get more tender.
When cooking frozen roast beef, there are several methods you can use. The most common methods are the oven, slow cooker, and pressure cooker.
It’s important to pick the method that works best for you because each one has pros and cons.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the frozen beef roast on a rack in a roasting pan. In the thickest part of the roast, put a meat thermometer.
Cook for about 50% longer than the correct cooking time for unfrozen roast beef. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes per pound of medium-rare roast beef and 40 to 45 minutes per pound of medium roast beef.
Take the roast beef out of the oven when it’s done cooking and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
The slow cooker is another great method for cooking frozen roast beef. To cook frozen roast beef in a slow cooker, put the roast in the slow cooker and add any vegetables or seasonings you like. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Take the roast beef out of the slow cooker when it’s done cooking and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Using a pressure cooker is a fast and efficient method for cooking frozen roast beef. To cook frozen roast beef in a pressure cooker, add the frozen beef roast and any desired seasonings or vegetables to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 20-25 minutes per pound. Once the roast beef has reached the desired temperature, release the pressure and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Overall, each cooking method has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cooking frozen roast beef. Choose the method that works best for you based on your own preferences and the amount of time you have.